Paying the agent?

Question

if you find an acting job yourself do you still need to give the agent a percentage of the profits?

Answer 1

I agree in part with Tony. The details he offers are the procedure, and IF you happen to be under contract to an agent the AGENT would be the one to ask. Obviously he won't make money from your income, created outside of the contract. Obvious too, is the fact that an agents commission at 10% only happens IF you make money. If you have the talent, skills, jobs, then accept the fact that you thought you needed an agent in the first place, though I cannot imagine why. 10% of ZERO $, is hardly a reason for an agent to keep anyone as a client.

   Education, experience, valid credentials causing you to be a viable commodity, working for someone to whom you are "Bankable"

Answer 2

Good question. When I worked in casting the actors would sometimes ask this question if they submitted themselves through Actors Access or the likes. The answer is this....no you do not have to. HOWEVER, the wise actor if they book the job will tell the casting director to negotiate through their agent (if they have one). Not only is this good business but it shows your agent you are bookable. Yes, you are giving them10 percent of the money you earn for work they did not do but look at it as an investment. If your agent sees you are bookable their is a better chance they will submit you for more projects.

Answer 3

Actually you don't need to do anything. The agent give YOU 90% of the profits and keeps 10% for himself. That's the way it works.

No money is exchanged until AFTER you do the job.

So first you go to the audition.

Then you get called back. (in some cases you might get called in to be hired for the job directly)

Then (maybe) you get put on hold (which means you are in the final selection.

Then you get hired for the job.

Then you actually do the job.

The customer pays the agent.

The agent gives a check for 90%.

Oh! And on that 90% you have to pay taxes! :-)

Obviously you are at the very beginning. Before you think of getting an agent, think about the fact that agents want you to be a good actress, because if you are, you have a better chance of booking a job if they send you out on an audition. If you book the job, they make money.

Having said that, you should think about taking some classes and training. It will help you a lot. Have a look at this page on my site for new and aspiring actors. On it you will find 23 links to pages that have to do with different aspects of starting an acting career including 23 reasons why acting classes are important and what they can do for you, how to choose a school, why it really is that you need an agent, how to get an agent and how having an agent works. http://www.actingcareerstartup.com/teen_...

Good luck!

Tony